Organizational development and management factors involved in the prevention and effective therapy of pressure ulcers: The results of the national survey conducted among Hungarian public hospitals.

The prevention of pressure ulcer (PU) or pressure injury (PI) wounds is of public health importance in developed countries, including Hungary. The study aimed to assess the PU/PI prevention and care practices of Hungarian public hospitals and identify organizational and management factors. In 2022, a national, questionnaire-based survey of inpatient institutions relevant to PU/PI care was conducted, providing a picture of the practices of 86 hospitals for the year 2019. The questionnaire was processed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The survey results show that good practices in Hungary are isolated, the reporting system is inhomogeneous, and documentation is not uniform across our institutional system. Of the 86 institutions, 71.0% operate a PU prevention team, 64.0% use prophylactic dressings, and 88.3% use an anti-decubitus mattress, with an average ratio of 26.1% to the number of beds. Less than half of the institutions reported the incidence of hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). In this sample, we found no significant association between hospital type and hospital size with the incidence of full-thickness HAPIs (stage III and IV wounds). Developing a comprehensive PU/PI reporting system and updating the national PU/PI prevention and care guidelines are essential in Hungary.

The role of primary care during the pandemic: shared experiences from providers in five European countries.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated wide-ranging adaptations to the organisation of health systems, and primary care is no exception. This article aims to collate insights on the role of primary care during the pandemic. The gained knowledge helps to increase pandemic preparedness and resilience. METHODS: The role of primary care during the pandemic in five European countries (Austria, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy) was investigated using a qualitative approach, namely case study, based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews. In total, 31 interviews were conducted with primary care providers between June and August 2022. The five country case studies were subjected to an overarching analysis focusing on successful strategies as well as gaps and failures regarding pandemic management in primary care. RESULTS: Primary care providers identified disruptions to service delivery as a major challenge emerging from the pandemic which led to a widespread adoption of telehealth. Despite the rapid increase in telehealth usage and efforts of primary care providers to organise face-to-face care delivery in a safe way, some patient groups were particularly affected by disruptions in service delivery. Moreover, primary care providers perceived a substantial propagation of misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines among the population, which also threatened patient-physician relationships. At the same time, primary care providers faced an increased workload, had to work with insufficient personal protective equipment and were provided incongruous guidelines from public authorities. There was a consensus among primary care providers that they were mostly sidelined by public health policy in the context of pandemic management. Primary care providers tackled these problems through a diverse set of measures including home visits, implementing infection control measures, refurbishing used masks, holding internal meetings and relying on their own experiences as well as information shared by colleagues. CONCLUSION: Primary care providers were neither well prepared nor the focus of initial policy making. However, they implemented creative solutions to the problems they faced and applying the learnings from the pandemic could help in increasing the resilience of primary care. Attributes of an integrated health system with a strong primary care component proved beneficial in addressing immediate effects of the pandemic.

Impact of a Targeted Project for Shortening of Imaging Diagnostic Waiting Time in Patients with Suspected Oncological Diseases in Hungary.

Background and Objectives: Medical imaging is a key element in the clinical workup of patients with suspected oncological disease. In Hungary, due to the high number of patients, waiting lists for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were created some years ago. The Municipality of Budapest and Semmelweis University signed a cooperation agreement with an extra budget in 2020 (HBP: Healthy Budapest Program) to reduce the waiting lists for these patients. The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of the first experiences with the HBP. Material and Methods: The study database included all the CT/MRI examinations conducted at Semmelweis University with a referral diagnosis of suspected oncological disease within the first 13 months of the HBP (6804 cases). In our retrospective, two-armed, comparative clinical study, different components of the waiting times in the oncology diagnostics pathway were analyzed. Using propensity score matching, we compared the data of the HBP-funded patients (n = 450) to those of the patients with regular care provided by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) (n = 450). Results: In the HBP-funded vs. the NHIF-funded patients, the time interval from the first suspicion of oncological disease to the request for imaging examinations was on average 15.2 days shorter (16.1 vs. 31.3 days), and the mean waiting time for the CT/MRI examination was reduced by 13.0 days (4.2 vs. 17.2 days, respectively). In addition, the imaging medical records were prepared on average 1.7 days faster for the HBP-funded patients than for the NHIF-funded patients (3.4 vs. 5.1 days, respectively). No further shortening of the different time intervals during the subsequent oncology diagnostic pathway (histological investigation and multidisciplinary team decision) or in the starting of specific oncological therapy (surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy) was observed in the HBP-funded vs. the NHIF-funded patients. We identified a moderately strong negative correlation (r = -0.5736, p = 0.0350) between the CT/MR scans requested and the active COVID-19 case rates during the pandemic waves. Conclusion: The waiting lists for diagnostic CT/MR imaging can be effectively shortened with a targeted project, but a more comprehensive intervention is needed to shorten the time from the radiological diagnosis, through the decisions of the oncoteam, to the start of the oncological treatment.

[Conceptual framework of integrated care and options for integration in primary care]. / Az integrált ellátás koncepcionális keretrendszere és az integráció lehetoségei az alapellátásban.

Nowadays, several countries' health governments have recognized that the complex treatment of chronic diseases, prevention and rehabilitation requires a new approach. This study presents the possible solution of integrated service delivery in health and other sectors. Furthermore, it shows how the integration of primary care services was implemented and how the integration of different levels of providers changes the organization of care. This study is based on an overview of the relevant international literature, as well as the 5th European Primary Care Forum. The comprehensive approach of integrated care and adaption of the needs of local communities encourage the development of new organizational forms and services in primary care. The integrated service forms are more suitable to satisfy the needs of patients and communities and provide wide range of services, but it is important to find the appropriate dimensions of integration which would fit our goals.

How much can we learn from each other? Polish and Hungarian good practices in financing ophthalmology care as a proposal for implementation in Ukraine.

OBJECTIVES: The article aims to compare payment schemes for cataract, glaucoma, vitrectomy, cornea transplantations, DME, and AMD across Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine, and to identify implementable practices in Ukraine within the context of ongoing healthcare reforms. METHODS: Researchers used mixed-method research-with legal documents and data analysis on utilisation of ophthalmology services between 2010 and 2019 and in-depth semi structured interviews with fifteen health experts from Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. Interviewees, five from each country, were representatives from healthcare providers and payers with at least 10 years' experience in ophthalmology care and knowledge about financing schemes in each country of residence. RESULTS: We identified significant differences in healthcare delivery and financing of ophthalmology services between Hungary and Poland, despite both countries rely on Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) based systems for hospital care. Good practices for financing specific eye treatments like cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), cornea transplantations, and vitrectomy are identified. The financing scheme, including financial products and incentives, can influence the volume of treatments. Access to ophthalmic care is a key concern, with differences in treatment schemes between Hungary (ambulatory care) and Poland (hospital care), leading to higher costs and the need for centralization of complex procedures like cornea transplantations. CONCLUSIONS: The article highlights the importance of incentivizing quality improvements and removing financial barriers in Poland, while Hungary should focus on continuous monitoring of treatment methods and flexibility in reimbursement. For Ukraine, the research findings are significant due to ongoing healthcare reform, and the country seeks optimal practices while considering the experiences of other countries.

[Health policy approach to the treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers]. / A felfekvés (decubitus) ellátásának és megelozésének szakmapolitikai megközelítése.

INTRODUCTION: A pressure sore (decubitus) is a wound that develops on the skin and subcutaneous tissue in places exposed to pressure. Primarily occurs in elderly, non-mobile individuals, the prevention and control of which requires not only medical and nursing participation, but it also financial expenditure. OBJECTIVE: In our study, after a systematic document analysis, we present the relevant results of the decubitus survey conducted among state hospitals during Q2 of 2022, focusing on the organizational and management factors of decubitus prevention and care. METHOD: The national survey was comprehensive in terms of the range of institutions relevant to decubitus care. After defining the selection criteria, we got a picture of 86 institutional practices for the base year of 2019. RESULTS: During the review and systematization of domestic and European Union professional policy documents, regulators and strategy documents, it can be established that pressure ulcer prevention and care can be adapted to several development policy objectives, and its incidence appears as a quality indicator of the health sector. DISCUSSION: Based on the results of our national decubitus survey, it can be said that domestic good practices operate in isolation, our reporting system is inhomogeneous, and the documentation is not uniform in our institutional system. 17 of the 86 institutions have new (2021-2022) documents regulating decubitus care at the institutional level, which in 17% of the institutions are dated 2010 or earlier. The scope of revision of the regulatory documents is set at 10% of the institutions. 61 of the examined institutions (71%) operate decubitus teams, 55 institutions (64%) use prophylactic bandages. There is a lack of professional monitoring measures and quality indicators, institutional-level expenditure analyses, controlling-type feedback, which would form the basis of costing and cost-effectiveness analyses. CONCLUSION: In addition to our proposals for several organizational and managerial measures, we advocate the renewal of the relevant professional directive and the introduction of a uniform institutional reporting system as well. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(21): 821-830.

Challenges and opportunities for improvement in the management and financing system of Health Promotion Offices in Hungary.

Background: One hundred ten Health Promotion Offices (HPOs) have started operating in Hungary in response to public health challenges. Many of them have been active for almost 10 years, yet their operational experience has not been evaluated. The specific objectives of our study were: (1) to describe the current operational and funding system of HPOs, (2) to identify challenges related to the current management and funding practices, and (3) to formulate recommendations for improvement based on gathered experience and international experience. Design: In order to gain a deeper insight into the operational experience of HPOs, an online survey was conducted with the professional or economic managers of HPOs. A scoping review was carried out to gather international experiences about best practices to formulate recommendations for improvement in developing the operational and financing scheme for HPOs. Results: We found that current HPO network in Hungary faces three main challenges: a deficient management system, inflexible financing scheme, and unequal ability to purchase or provide services for the population. Conclusions: Based on the survey complemented by international experiences, we propose the overhaul of the professional management system and switching toa combination of fixed and performance-based financing scheme for the HPOs in Hungary.

Opposite trends in incidence of breast cancer in young and old female cohorts in Hungary and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic: a nationwide study between 2011-2020.

Background: This nationwide study examined breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality rates in Hungary between 2011-2019, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the incidence and mortality rates in 2020 using the databases of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Central Statistical Office (CSO) of Hungary. Methods: Our nationwide, retrospective study included patients who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer (International Codes of Diseases ICD)-10 C50) between Jan 1, 2011 and Dec 31, 2020. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (ASRs) were calculated using European Standard Populations (ESP). Results: 7,729 to 8,233 new breast cancer cases were recorded in the NHIF database annually, and 3,550 to 4,909 all-cause deaths occurred within BC population per year during 2011-2019 period, while 2,096 to 2,223 breast cancer cause-specific death was recorded (CSO). Age-standardized incidence rates varied between 116.73 and 106.16/100,000 PYs, showing a mean annual change of -0.7% (95% CI: -1.21%-0.16%) and a total change of -5.41% (95% CI: -9.24 to -1.32). Age-standardized mortality rates varied between 26.65-24.97/100,000 PYs (mean annual change: -0.58%; 95% CI: -1.31-0.27%; p=0.101; total change: -5.98%; 95% CI: -13.36-2.66). Age-specific incidence rates significantly decreased between 2011 and 2019 in women aged 50-59, 60-69, 80-89, and ≥90 years (-8.22%, -14.28%, -9.14%, and -36.22%, respectively), while it increased in young females by 30.02% (95%CI 17,01%- 51,97%) during the same period. From 2019 to 2020 (in first COVID-19 pandemic year), breast cancer incidence nominally decreased by 12% (incidence rate ratio [RR]: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.69-1.13; 2020 vs. 2019), all-cause mortality nominally increased by 6% (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.79-1.43) among breast cancer patients, and cause-specific mortality did not change (RR: 1.00; 95%CI: 0.86-1.15). Conclusion: The incidence of breast cancer significantly decreased in older age groups (≥50 years), oppositely increased among young females between 2011 and 2019, while cause-specific mortality in breast cancer patients showed a non-significant decrease. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a nominal, but not statistically significant, 12% decrease in breast cancer incidence, with no significant increase in cause-specific breast cancer mortality observed during 2020.

Roadmap for large-scale implementation of point-of-care testing in primary care in Central and Eastern European countries: the Hungarian experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to give a broad overview of the international best practices regarding the implementation of point-of-care testing (POCT) in primary care (PC) setting and to highlight the facilitators and barriers for widespread national uptake. The study focuses on the managerial and organizational side of POCT, offering a roadmap for implementation as well as highlighting the most important requirements needed to unlock the clinical and economical potential of POCT in the Hungarian healthcare system. METHODS: We conducted an English language scoping literature review between January 2012 and June 2021 to assess the recent trends of POCT implementation in developed countries. Our research focuses on the recent publications of several European and Anglo-Saxon countries where POCT utilization is common. In parallel, we reviewed the Hungarian regulatory framework, ongoing governmental legislation, and strategies influencing the POCT dissemination in the Hungarian PC sector. RESULTS: Among the possible POCT usage in PC, we identified several clinically relevant devices and tests (C-reactive protein, urine, blood glucose, D-dimer, prothrombin time) important in screening and early detection of morbidities representing high disease burden. Based on international literature, general practitioners (GPs) are interested in the shortened diagnostic times, portable devices, and better doctor-patient relations made possible by POCT. There are several concerns, however, regarding initial and operational costs and reimbursement, limited scientific evidence about quality and safety, unclear regulations on quality validation of tests, as well as managerial aspects like PC staff training and IT integration at the GP level. CONCLUSION: As our review highlights, there is considerable interest among GPs to implement POCT as it has the potential to improve quality of care; however, there are many obstacles to overcome before widespread uptake. Further investigation is recommended to elaborate management and quality insurance background and to develop appropriate regulatory framework and financial scheme for GP practices. Preferably this work should involve the local practicing GPs to better tailor the implementation roadmap to country-specific details.

Riding the Pandemic Waves-Lessons to Be Learned from the COVID-19 Crisis Management in Romania.

In our analysis, we assessed how Romania dealt with the numerous challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2021. In that year, the government had to deal with two waves of COVID-19 pandemics caused by the new variants, the low vaccination rate of the population, the overload of the healthcare system and political instability at the same time. Based on publicly available databases and international literature, we evaluated government measures aimed at reducing the spread of the pandemic and ensure the operation of the healthcare workforce and infrastructure. In addition, we evaluated measures to provide health services effectively and the government's pandemic responses regarding excess mortality in 2021. In the absence of a complex monitoring system, limited information was available on the spread of the pandemic or the various risk factors at play. Due to incomplete and inadequate management systems, the government was unable to implement timely and adequate measures. Our analysis concludes that the management of a pandemic can only be successful if data are collected and evaluated using complex systems in a timely manner, and if members of society adhere to clearly communicated government measures due to high levels of trust in the government.

The territorial distribution of amputations in healthcare and social context in Hungary in 2016­2017. / [Az amputációk területi gyakorisága társadalmi és ellátórendszeri összefüggésben Magyarországon 2016-2017-ben].

Introduction and aim: Peripheral artery disease and lower extremity artery disease occur in 4 to 6% of the population. In Hungary, the number of major amputations was 6798 in the observed period. With timely and appropriate treatment, the number of leg amputations (30-day mortality: 20%, 2-year mortality: 40-60%) can be effectively reduced. The purpose of this study is to identify the territorial differences within Hungary with regard to the care pathways of these diseases. Method: We performed a retrospective data analysis of the peripheral vascular treatment using 2015-2017 claim data of the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary. Territorial differences in mortality rates were examined by descriptive statistics. Correlation analysis was performed to describe any relationship between mortality rates and other factors. Results: The subregional level analysis (n = 175) revealed 4 times differences across the country proving that high domestic amputation rates are partially due to the extreme amputation rates in 30 percent of the subregions. Multiple stratified regression analysis revealed that the proportion of districts where endovascular therapy is not available (n = 159), the university education level of the population (ß1 = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.18 to -0.09) and the proportion of those over 65 years of age (ß1 = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03-0.24) were significantly associated with amputation rate. In districts with available endovascular therapy (n = 14), age distribution of population (ß1 = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98) was associated with the frequency of amputations. Conclusion: Regional and social disparities in incidence, prevalence and mortality rates significantly vary greatly across Hungary, but also provider capacities (with relevant competencies) influence strongly the development and progression of the disease. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(18): 744-755.

Structural Changes in the Hungarian Healthcare System Between 2000 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: The rigid and old-fashioned structure of the Hungarian healthcare system has been discussed since the mid-1990s and is at the center of professional and policy debates. It is characterized by the too high number of acute care hospital beds in international comparison; access is regionally unequal; levels of progressive care are mixed; and there is a nonuniform emergency service system with unequal access to the emergency room, heterogeneous quality of care, and unexploited opportunities of modern health technology (eg, 1-day surgery, minimally invasive procedures, telemedicine). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze the indicators of ongoing structural changes of the Hungarian healthcare system between 2000 and 2017. METHODS: Data are derived from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Heath Statistics, Hungarian National Statistical Office, National Health Insurance Fund Administration and the database of the European Structural Funds. The methods used for the analysis are descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and longitudinal data. RESULTS: The total number of hospitals beds showed a 32% reduction between 2005 and 2017. Parallel with this subsequent reduction of hospital bed capacities, we can see a moderate reduction (22.3%) in the number of discharged patients from hospitals: from 2005 to 2017, 2.55 million to 1.95 million. The average length of stay in acute hospital care has decreased from 6.3 to 5.1 days. About 25 to 27 small local hospitals lost their acute or short-term care profile (mainly intensive care units, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatric care wards) and became long-term care, chronic care, or rehabilitation profile hospitals. CONCLUSION: Structural change is in progress in the Hungarian healthcare system, and some efficiency gains have been reached. Nevertheless, still there are significant potential efficiency gains in the better organization and management of health services in addition to the dissemination and better incorporation of modern healthcare technologies.

Primary care behind the former "Iron Curtain": changes and development of primary healthcare provision in the Eastern part of the European Union.

BACKGROUND: The Alma-Ata Declaration was a big step in the development of primary care, defining the main tasks and populations' expectation. Celebrating the 40th year's anniversary is a good opportunity to make an analysis. Development of primary care was not parallel in the Eastern and Western part of Europe. AIM: To provide an overview on the societal and economic situation, structural and financial changes of healthcare systems in the former 'Soviet bloc' countries, to present an analysis of the primary healthcare (PHC) provision and to find relationships between economic development and epidemiological changes of the respective countries. METHOD: Epidemiological data, healthcare expenditures and structure, and financing schemes were compared; systematic literature search was performed. RESULTS: Visible improvements in population health, in the national economic condition, structural changes in healthcare and more focus to primary care were experienced everywhere. Higher life expectancies with high inter-country variation were observed in the former 'Soviet bloc' countries, although it could not be clearly linked to the development of healthcare system. PHC provision improved while structural changes were rarely initiated, often only as a project or model initiation. Single-handed practices are yet predominant. The gate-keeping system is usually weak; there were no effective initiatives to improve the education of nurses and to widen their competences. Migrations of workforce to Western countries become a real threat for the Central-East European countries. CONCLUSION: Lack of coordination between practices and interdisciplinary cooperation were recognized as the main barriers for further improvement in the structure.

Investigation of the conditions affecting the joining of Hungarian hospitals to an accreditation programme: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative studies have shown the various benefits for having accreditation in hospitals. However, neither of these explored the general conditions before applying for an accreditation. To close this gap, this study aimed to investigate the possible association between joining an accreditation programme with various hospital characteristics. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was implemented using the databases of the 2013 Hungarian hospital survey and of the Hungarian State Treasury. SETTING: Public general hospitals in Hungary. PARTICIPANTS: The analysis involved 44 public general hospitals, 14 of which joined the preparatory project for a newly developed accreditation programme. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcomes included the percentage of compliance in quality management, patient information and identification, internal professional regulation, safe surgery, pressure sore prevention, infection control, the opinions of the heads of quality management regarding the usefulness of quality management and clinical audits, and finally, the total debt of the hospital per bed and per discharged patient. RESULTS: According to our findings, the general hospitals joining the preparatory project of the accreditation programme performed better in four of the six investigated activities, the head of quality management had a better opinion on the usefulness of quality management, and both the debt per bed number and the debt per discharged patient were lower than those who did not join. However, no statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in any of the examined outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that hospitals applying for an accreditation programme do not differ significantly in characteristics from those which did not apply. This means that if in the future the accredited hospitals become better than other hospitals, then the improvement could be solely contributed to the accreditation.

[Results of monitoring the year 2002 of the Hungarian breast cancer screening program]. / A 2002. évi szervezett lakossági emlôszûrés monitorozásának eredményei.

AIM: The aim of the study is to analyse the regional and time range characteristics of the breast cancer screening programme and the utilization of health services related to the programme. METHODS: The data derive from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration containing routinely collected financial data. The patients include all the women having mammography screening in the year of 2002 (N=314,395). In the time range analysis the starting point (T0) was the time of the mammography screening identified with the outpatient code "42400 mammography screening". We calculated the average delay between the time of mammography screening (time=T0), further diagnostic (time=T1) and therapeutic (time=T2) procedures. For the calculation of the average period spent from the time of mammography screening we used the median value instead of arithmetic mean. RESULTS: According to our data 17,303 women had ultrasound examination in axilla (T1 median value: 20 days) and 23,249 women had ultrasound examination in breast (T1 median value: 26 days). Among the women having mammography examination in 2002, 906 had chemotherapy (T2 median value: 83 days), while 1364 patients had radiotherapy (T2 median value: 136 days). The T2 median value of subtotal and total mastectomy was 43-47 days and 50-53 days respectively, while the T2 median value of breast operations because of non-malignant causes was 57 days after mammography screening. The total annual cost of organised breast cancer screening programme, including the cost of mammography examination, the cost of further diagnostic examination and surgical, radio- and chemotherapy treatment of recalled women, was 2,242 billion Hungarian forints (8,968 million euros) in 2002. CONCLUSION: We observed significant regional differences, which result in large discrepancies in the equity. We can assume that these differences can be reduced by better organisation and the more consistent application of professional guidelines.

The Hungarian Care Managing Organization Pilot Program.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article was to provide a description of the Hungarian care managing organization (CMO) pilot program and its environment, incentive structure, and preliminary outcomes. The need to change the behavior of doctors to increase the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the system was the key rationale for the Hungarian CMO pilot program. METHODS: After an application process, nine CMOs were entitled to enter into the system in July 1999. By 2006, there were 14 CMOs covering 2.1 million people. The Hungarian CMO program tried to combine the advantages of both the US managed care programs and the UK general practitioner fundholding system, within the constraints and opportunities of a Central-European country committed to a single-payer health insurance system. RESULTS: The revenue of CMOs derived from a risk-adjusted capitation. The capitation formula was weighted only by age and sex. The expenditures of the CMOs included all the health expenditures on their patients that occurred in any part of the health care system. The average savings rate for all CMOs for the fiscal years 1999 to 2007 was 4.94%. The highest rates of savings were realized in chronic and acute inpatient care and medical devices. The pilot was discontinued in 2008 without a comprehensive evaluation of the experience. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that this pilot had a significant contribution to the modernization of the Hungarian health care system.

[Market share of the for-profit and not-for-profit sector from health insurance expenditures]. / A profitérdekelt vállalkozások és a nonprofit szektor részesedése az egészségbiztosítási forrásokból.

AIM: The aim of the study is to analyze the market share of for-profit private and not-for-profit sector from the expenditures on medical services of the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), to show its changes in the last years and to show on which field they can be found. DATA AND METHODS: The data derives from the financial database of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) covering the period 1995-2002. The analysis includes the medical provisions (primary care, health visitors, dental care, out- and inpatient care, home care, kidney dialysis, CT-MRI). RESULTS: In 1995 only 6.91% (12.5 billions Ft) of total expenditure for medical services went to for-profit private providers. By 2002 the market share of private providers increased to 15.95% (78.5 billions Ft). During the same period we realized a dynamic increase in the market share of non-profit sector: from 1.04% in 1995 to 2.58% in 2002. The role of private providers is dominant in the case of general practitioners, dental care, transportation, kidney dialysis, CT/MRI and home care (home nursing). CONCLUSIONS: The financial data of the NHIF showed the dynamic increase of market share of for-profit private providers and non-profit sector in many field of health care, although they role in the two most important fields (out- and inpatient care) is still negligible.

[Cost analysis of peritrochanteric fractures according to types of surgical treatment and progressive care from the viewpoint of financial providers]. / Trochantertáji törések ellátásának költségvizsgálata a mútéti eljárások és a progresszív ellátási szintek szerint finanszírozói szemszögból.

AIM: The aim of this study to calculate the health insurance cost of treatment of patients with pertrochanter fracture of femur from the first hospital admission for 18 months follow up period according to different surgical methods and progressivity levels. DATA AND METHODS: Recruitment criteria were: 1) all patients with a hip fracture in 2000 defined by the International Classification of Disease (ICD) as "S7210"; 2) working age between 18-60 and 3) first admission to surgical unit, and had an operation. The cost analyses include the cost of acute and chronic in-patient care, outpatient care and sick pay. RESULTS: The total costs were the highest in case of those types of operations with lower cost of prothesis device and lower load stability (Ender 588.000 Ft, fix angled plate 534.000 Ft) because of the higher sick-pay costs. The total costs were the lowest in case of those types of operations with higher cost of prothesis device and higher load stability (Gamma 512.000 Ft, DHS 465.000 Ft) because of the lower sick-pay costs. The gain in recovery time with the 3-4 months shorter disability period can be seen in case of operations with higher load stability. The average length of stay decreases from 15-17 days to 9-11 along progressivity levels. CONCLUSION: With the application of load stable prothesis device the total health insurance costs were the lowest at the universities and national institute while these costs proved to be higher.

[New models in the model (Managerial challenges in the Hungarian managed care model)]. / Uj modellek a modellben (Felsó vezetói kihívások az irányított betegellátási modell tükrében).

The Hungarian managed care model integrates the different levels of health care services. Its goal is a more efficient resource allocation within the health care system, quality improvement of services, developing incentives and financing methods. The basic concept of the model is to introduce the benefits of the American managed care and the British fundholding system. The managed care model brought a new approach in the Hungarian health care system and meets a lot of expectation in both professional and political context. The model has certain problems, but these are handled at macro level. Without an integrated approach of macro, meso and micro levels is hardly believable the efficient and effective functioning of the model. Such macro level problems are the cost-efficiency versus high quality health services, financing incentives, and risk taking. At meso and micro level we are facing with questionable efficiency and effectiveness of the MCOs other health care organisations, which are based on strong bureaucratic paradigms and are convicted to a long lasting crisis in their changing environment. The integrated use of Mintzberg's management models (machine model, network model, performance-control model, virtual government model and normative-control model) adapted by us for the Hungarian managed care model could resolve certain problems or make them at least more solvable. In the changing environment of the health cares organisations the top management has to frame the change-scenario, to initiate, realise and sustain organisational changes. Achieving this, the proposed management models are a useful support. Their practical application could contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of the Hungarian managed care model at macro, meso and micro levels, as well.

[Health economics analysis of breast cancer screening]. / Az emlôrákszûrések egészség-gazdaságtani elemzése.

INTRODUCTION: The organized breast cancer screening programme has started in Hungary at the end of 2001. AIM: To assess the screening rate, the cost of screening and treatment and to calculate the expected epidemiological and economic gain and cost-effectiveness of mass-screening programme. METHODS: The data derive from the financial database of the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary from 2001. To assess the screening rate the authors used the code "No. 42400 mammography screening" of outpatient care. The cost of treatment includes the cost of outpatient care, the acute and chronic inpatient care, the subsidies of the prices of medicines and the expenditure on disability to work (including sickness-pay). The expected benefits of the screening programme were modeled with changing mortality decrease for a 10 years interval. RESULTS: The screening rates of women aged 45-65 for 2001 and 2002 were 7% and 21.7%, respectively. The cost of treatment of breast cancer was around 8.6 billion Hungarian forints (29,939,868 USD, 33,426,321 EUR) in 2001. In the age-group 45-65 with 10% mortality decline 509 lives (net present value, NPV: 365), with 20% mortality decline 1.074 (NPV: 772) lives and with 30% mortality decline 1.582 (NPV: 1.139) lives can be saved during a 10 years screening programme. The cost of one life saved varies between 5.7 million forints (19,876 USD, 22,190 EUR)/life saved and 17.8 million forints (62,047 USD, 69,273 EUR)/life saved according to the mortality decline. The cost of one life year saved varies between 271,000 forints (946 USD, 1057 EUR)/life year saved and 847,000 forints (2955 USD, 3299 EUR)/life years saved. CONCLUSION: The implementation of organized breast cancer screening can lead to cost savings in Hungary. The cost-effectiveness of breast cancer screening seems to be acceptable for purchaser.